As two out-of-control wildfires continue to burn, smoke is causing air quality concerns in some parts of New Brunswick.
Environment Canada has issued special air quality statements for areas just north of Moncton and north of Miramichi.
Melanie Langille, president and CEO of NB Lung, said there is no safe level of air pollution.
However, she said some New Brunswickers are even more at risk than the general population.
“Those that are very young, the elderly, people who are pregnant, people who have an underlying chronic health condition, and anyone who is outside who is needing to do strenuous outdoor activity,” Langille said in an interview.
People with a lung condition, like asthma or COPD, may notice an increase in those symptoms, she said, while the general population faces an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
While wildfire smoke presents an increased risk, Langille said there are steps you can take to help reduce your exposure.
“If you’ve got ways to keep your building cool, closing those doors and windows is great. If you have an air exchange system that tends to bring in fresh air, we want to turn that off if there’s smoke outside, because that’ll bring that smoky air into the indoors,” said Langille.
Those outside should reduce the intensity of their activity and wear a KN95 mask when wildfire smoke is present, she said.
If you do not have a KN95 mask, Langille said you can request one through NB Lung’s website.
